Support animal rescue
The Humane Society of the United States is currently airing a slick, heart-wrenching TV ad depicting abused and neglected animals and ends with a request for monthly donations to help them correct this problem.
The society's 2008 public audit reveals income of $120 million with expenses of $112 million for salaries, benefits, advertising and lobbying state legislatures and Congress to pass unreasonably harsh rules and regulations that make it virtually impossible for livestock producers to stay in business. That leaves little for pet rescue.
I urge everyone to direct their contributions to local animal shelters, where 95 percent of animal rescue takes place.
Frank Lipinski
Buckley
Enough said
A couple of years ago Michael Moore launched vicious attacks directed at Dr. Sanjay Gupta because Dr. Gupta dared to disagree with Mike on health care issues.
Dr. Gupta, while reporting from Haiti, remained behind at a "field hospital" watching over and helping the injured when "security issues" caused the United Nations to recommend the medical teams abandon the post.
Mike Moore, with complete disregard for his personal safety, generously donated one day's receipts (other people's money?) from the State Theatre (a non-profit organization) to relief for the Haitian people.
'Nuff said!
Richard Smith
Traverse City
A tsunami of Haitians
In a world of complex decisions like beaches and boat moorings on Grand Traverse Bay, windmill and battery production, the Haitian survivor problem seems like small 'taters.
As I write this letter Americans are shipping and flying every concievable form of aid to Haiti. I believe that's an act of mercy that defines the American people. That said, I fear this is about to morph into a political exodus of democratic proportion.
The state of Florida is preparing for a tsunami, not of water, but people. Citizens of another nation. They will experience a life they have never known. Do you think they will want to return to Haiti? What are the odds your tax dollars will end up supporting them?
I don't believe that we need to transplant survivors of Haiti to the U.S. We are aiding them in this with everything they'll need to go on with the way of life they themselves have chosen. To bring the Haitians here only further complicates our own problem of what to do with totally unskilled people flooding over our borders already.
Compassion is our standard, but absorption of dysfunctional nations is not.
Phil Gram
Interlochen
No fun anymore
The Traverse City Commission and mayor have lost touch with reality. They push to move all the boaters and their guests away from our summer fun beaches, thereby pandering to a few anti-boaters who want empty beaches.
For some reason this is a higher priority for the city than tourism and commerce for our struggling local economy. The message is clear to the boating public: move on, because Traverse City beaches are not going to be fun any more. Go find another place to spend your leisure time, and your money.
Erik A. Johnson
Interlochen
Transparency at Fed
I think Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., is absolutely correct in saying no audit, no confirmation of Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke.
In light of the fact that the Federal Reserve has been delegated to do the job that the Constitution gave to Congress, our financial well being is handled by people with no oversight. It appears, as a private entity rather than a government one, that they are acting more in their own self interest than in the interest of this country and the American citizens.
I was appalled to learn that in all the years of operation that they have never been audited. The largest, most influential financial institute in the U.S and the only one that does not require an annual audit is outrageous.
I demand transparency and accountability for the use of my tax dollars.
Jeri LeRoi
Traverse City
Not for the government
Disappointed, mad ... not yet ... concerned is more the word or thought. Federal, state and local lawmakers have not been hearing what the people have been trying to tell them.
Well, I guess we have not spoken loud enough. This is our own fault, myself included. We need to start assembling in meeting places and computer chat rooms. We need to petition to cut their wages, health benefits and stays in office, state, federal or local. We need to take back what they have taken from us as a people and a nation.
They look at us as their private funding source. They are divided by their own agendas. They, aided by our complacent attitudes, will be the downfall of a once-great nation. Do not get me wrong; there is no other place I want to be. I was born here and will die here. I am proud of the people of this great country. They, not our government, make it great.
So, think about how our governments need reform or change. It is all up to us, not them. Remember, for the people and by the people, not for the government and by the government.
Mike Thompson
Kalkaska
Defend life
What is the force behind fetal stem cell research and abortion?
Is it a divine right to choose? Our Constitutional rights provided by the founding fathers were based off the efforts of Moses and Christ the Lord, who were both targets for termination at an early age by Pharaoh and Herod.
These suppressive and brutal rulers desired to preserve their "lifestyles" as kings and also viewed the early stages of a child's life as disposable property.
It took divine intervention to prevent Pharaoh and Herod from terminating the early lives of Moses and Christ our Lord in order to provide humanity the basis for liberty in this life and salvation in the next.
Since God's love intervened to prevent abortion then, what force was encouraging it? Let's all change together as one family in Christ and work to respect, allow and defend the value of life here and after.
Peace to you!
Jeffrey Rice
Interlochen
